What are Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty?
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are procedures that stabilise a fractured vertebra by injecting medical-grade bone cement, mainly for compression fractures caused by weak bones. In vertebroplasty, the cement is injected directly into the fractured vertebra. In kyphoplasty, a small balloon is first inflated inside the vertebra to create space, which can help restore its height and alignment before the cement is added.
Both are carried out under local or general anaesthetic and usually take around 30 to 60 minutes per vertebra, with a quicker recovery than open spinal surgery. Conveniently located in St John’s Wood (NW8), we offer these procedures to patients across London with a focus on safety and compassionate care.
Who are kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty suitable for?
- Patients with a painful vertebral compression fracture caused by osteoporosis
- Patients with a spinal fracture caused by weakened bone
- Patients whose back pain from a recent fracture has not improved with rest, pain relief or a brace
- Patients who want to reduce pain and move more comfortably without open spinal surgery
Your consultant will assess your individual case, including scans, before recommending whether kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty is the right option.
Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we offer advanced care for patients with spinal fractures. Our experienced and compassionate consultants will guide you through every step of the process, from diagnosis to recovery, providing personalised treatment tailored to your needs.
Why choose us for kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty?
- Specialist Spinal Surgeons: Our consultants are highly skilled in treating spinal fractures using minimally invasive techniques.
- Personalised Care: We create tailored treatment plans based on your condition and goals, helping you achieve effective relief and improved mobility.
- Modern Facilities: Our hospital is equipped with advanced imaging and surgical tools to ensure precise diagnosis and treatment.
- Accessible Location: Based in NW8, we serve patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and across London.
We are committed to providing excellent care and supporting your recovery every step of the way.
How Much Does Private Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty Cost?
from £13,775*
The cost of private Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty starts from £13,775* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
|
Spinal vertebra fracture repair surgery (single level) |
£13,775* |
|---|---|
|
Spinal vertebra fracture repair surgery (two levels) |
£17,075* |
|
Spinal vertebra fracture repair surgery (more than two levels) |
£20,225* |
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
Private kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital start from £13,775* for a single level. The final cost will depend on the number of vertebrae treated and your individual clinical needs.
Your consultant will arrange scans to assess the fracture and will advise you on any medication to adjust beforehand, particularly blood thinners. You will usually be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before the procedure, and to arrange for someone to take you home.
Each procedure usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes per vertebra. If more than one level is treated, it will take longer. Your consultant will explain what to expect for your case.
The procedure is carried out under local or general anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during it. You may have some soreness at the injection site afterwards, which can be managed with pain relief. Many patients notice their back pain easing within a few days.
Recovery is usually much quicker than after open spinal surgery, and many patients go home the same day or the next day. You may need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a few weeks. Your consultant will give personalised advice and may suggest treatment for the underlying bone weakness.
The procedures are most often suitable for people with a painful compression fracture of the spine, usually caused by osteoporosis, whose pain has not settled with rest, pain relief or a brace. Your consultant will assess your scans and overall health to decide whether either procedure is right for you.
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive and are commonly carried out in older patients, who are often the ones affected by osteoporotic fractures. As with any procedure, there are risks, and your consultant will assess your general health and talk you through them before you decide.
Both are generally considered safe when carried out by experienced specialists. Your consultant will explain the benefits and risks of each in relation to your fracture and recommend the most suitable option.
In vertebroplasty, bone cement is injected directly into the fractured vertebra. In kyphoplasty, a small balloon is first inflated to create space and help restore the vertebra’s height before the cement is added. Both aim to stabilise the fracture and relieve pain, and your consultant will recommend the better fit for you.